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2 clusters · 27 sources · 3 days · First seen · Last updated

Drake copyright infringement lawsuit

Overview

Producer and songwriter Aviel Calev Hirschfield has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Drake, OVO Sound, UMG Recordings, and Universal Music Publishing. Hirschfield alleges that the chorus of the single ‘Janice STFU’ from the album Iceman is ‘literally identical’ in lyrics, melody, and cadence to a demo he composed between December 2025 and January 2026.

According to the legal complaint, Hirschfield sent the demo to producers within Drake’s circle, including the duo FNZ, but received no response. Hirschfield, who has previously received co-writer credits on works such as Beyoncé’s ‘Heated’, is seeking a jury trial and compensation for publishing splits. He further alleges the released track is ‘word-for-word, note-for-note, beat-by-beat’ identical to his recording.

Drake’s legal representatives have categorically denied the allegations, describing the lawsuit as a ‘manufactured and baseless attempt’ to exploit the rapper’s name, reputation, and success for financial gain. The defense maintains that Drake wrote the song himself and has no connection to Hirschfield regarding this specific track. Additionally, Drake’s representatives have suggested that Hirschfield may have manipulated metadata to support his claims.

Entities

OVO Sound · Drake · Universal Music Group · FNZ · Beyoncé

Timeline

  1. [CULTURE] 19 sources
    Drake faces copyright lawsuit over 'Janice STFU' chorus

    Songwriter Aviel Calev Hirschfield is suing Drake, alleging the chorus of ‘Janice STFU’ was stolen from a demo he sent to Drake's producers. Drake's team denies all allegations.

  2. [CULTURE] 9 sources
    Drake faces lawsuit over alleged theft of ‘Janice STFU’ hook

    Drake and his partners face a lawsuit from producer Aviel Calev Hirschfield, who alleges the hit ‘Janice STFU’ stole his song hook. Drake’s team has denied all allegations of copyright infringement.

Sources

107jamz.com · 92q.com · allhiphop.com · billboard.com · bossip.com · classixphilly.com · complex.com · dancehallmag.com · hiphop.de · hot1009.com · hotnewhiphop.com · hotspotatl.com · kissrichmond.com · kysdc.com · olorisupergal.com · pitchfork.com · rap2soul.de · rnbphilly.com · thebeatdfw.com · theboxhouston.com · themorninghustle.com · time.news · wiznation.com · world-today-journal.com · yoraps.com · yve-style.com · zhiphopcleveland.com

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history